The home of SwiftCraftyMonkey! Join Susan as she obsesses about cosmetic chemistry and other things (some possibly related to monkeys). Often strange, occasionally useful, and always worth a stop as a point of interest on your journey through the Intertron.

An article popped up on January 24th in one of the Facebook groups I frequent. “‘Why are all natural products illegal?’ Bolton business owner ‘outraged’ over recall,” the headline blared, and I had to read more. “Bolton business owner Michelle Marino says she is ‘outraged’ after having to pull an all-natural alternative to your average … Read moreCase study: Drake Apothecary and marketing claims

As you know, I’m so excited about all the commenting and sharing and supporting I’m seeing on this new blog, and I don’t want to be the only voice here, so I thought I’d start an open thread for you to talk about all things bath & body related or not. I figure until we … Read moreOpen thread: So…what’re you thinkin’?

I’m trying to do some writing for the blog and e-zine, and I thought I’d share this picture of various thickeners I’ve been trying with all kinds of surfactants, including Miracare Soft 313 (from Lotioncrafter). I started these experiments in the summer, but I need to watch what I make for months and months as … Read moreDiscussion: Have you had a product morph over time?

Join me on the blog for a Valentine’s Day roller ball massage oil made with essential or fragrance oils or even some sweetened flavour oils. (Nudge nudge, wink wink, say no more!) Don’t forget to check out the posts on the new blog as that’s where I’m putting all my writing now! Various & sundry … Read moreOver on the new blog, we love the love!

I’ve been having a blast playing with all kinds of surfactants and thickeners over the last 18 months, and I’m getting ready to share them with you shortly. In the meantime, check out these new posts on the new blog about surfactants! Using powdered surfactants like SCI or SLSa in liquid products Separation in surfactant … Read moreIt’s all about the surfactants!

I mentioned this on Facebook and the old blog in the digest for the week, but I want all my writing to be in one place, so I’m sharing it here, too. When you’re making surfactant based products like shampoo, body wash, facial cleanser, bubble bath, and so on, mix very slowly in a zig … Read moreMixing surfactants: Slowly and gently with a fork?